A team of five athletic trainers and physician specialists will be available for the Parkland athletic program and the district in general.

The management also includes educational programs provided through Temple/St. Luke’s School of Medicine.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak explained how the new provider was chosen.

“The contract with Coordinated Health expired, and we sent out a request for proposals. St. Luke’s was the vendor of choice,” Sniscak said. “It met all the requirements for athletic training and physician services and has educational value working with our science classes.”

He said the district will have a better financial deal with St. Luke’s than it did with the previous medical group.

St. Luke’s is charging the district $2,500 for annual services, a contrast to the $85,000 billed by Coordinated Health.

Sniscak noted St. Luke’s will contribute $115,000 to the district for marketing rights.

The hospital will be able to announce its sponsorship in district publications and in ground banners on the athletic fields.

As part of the agreement, St. Luke’s will present programs on topics such as opioid awareness, concussion management, stress reduction and first aid.

The contract includes instructive components such as guided tours of medical facilities, cadaver dissections, and participation in Parkland’s biomedical science classes and the after-school medical career discovery club.

Two $2,500 Moravian, St. Luke’s scholarships will be offered to Parkland seniors each year.

The superintendent commented on the preference of St. Luke’s as medical affiliate for Parkland.

“During the interview process, St. Luke’s passion and commitment toward education was evident, and we are so thrilled to bring them in to work with us on all of our medically-related needs as well as with our students and teaching staff via creative ways that align with the curriculum,” Sniscak said. “The benefits associated with St. Luke’s training services will produce the best quality athletic training program in the Lehigh Valley.

“They are the region’s largest sports medicine program for a reason. They earned it.”